India’s largest private port operator Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has announced a key leadership change in its senior management team. The company informed stock exchanges that Mr. Pranav Choudhary will step down as CEO – Ports on May 31, 2026, to pursue opportunities outside the Adani Group.
Following his exit, Mr. Niraj Bansal will take over as CEO – Ports from June 1, 2026.
According to the company’s regulatory filing under Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Regulations, the appointment is part of APSEZ’s strategic leadership transition aimed at strengthening its ports business and operational expansion plans.
Mr. Niraj Bansal brings more than 27 years of administrative and infrastructure leadership experience. A former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, he previously served as Commissioner of Income Tax before taking voluntary retirement from government service.
He also served as Deputy Chairman and Chairman-in-Charge of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) between 2014 and 2019. During his tenure, JNPT underwent major operational reforms and achieved record cargo handling performance, including 66 million metric tonnes in FY2017-18 — the highest in the port’s history at the time.
Mr. Bansal joined the Adani Group in October 2022 and has since held multiple leadership roles. He served as CEO of Hazira Port and is currently leading the company’s New Port Project Development operations in Maharashtra.
The company stated that his appointment will be under full-time employment terms.